DAIRY Country

CountryWide Network

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee. Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand. Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with ourthousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world. Don’t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter to get the latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in thebusiness of dairy farming into the future.

  1. Episode 108 - Alerted by the collar, saved by the vet

    5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 108 - Alerted by the collar, saved by the vet

    A closer look at how wearable technology is reshaping animal health highlights just how quickly on-farm decision making is evolving, and why early intervention is becoming increasingly achievable. Veterinarian at Kaipara Farm Vets, Rory Dean, unpacks a real-time case study, explaining how collar data revealed a sudden drop in rumination and feed intake, signalling a serious internal issue before it became critical. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Rory Dean, Kaipara Farm Vets   Drawing on the example, Rory outlines the way conditions such as caecal dilatation and other “twisted gut” presentations develop, how they impact cow behaviour, and why they can escalate rapidly if left untreated. He explains the diagnostic process, from interpreting data trends to physically identifying gas build-up, and how timely surgical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. Cases can now be picked up earlier through better use of technology. While tools like collar monitoring provide valuable insights, they are most effective when paired with strong observation skills and prompt action, with early identification and good post-treatment care playing a critical role in recovery. The discussion also turns to seasonal priorities, including milk quality management and selective dry cow therapy. Rory reinforces the importance of responsible antibiotic use and working closely with veterinarians to make informed, practical decisions, highlighting how combining data, experience, and proactive planning can lead to better animal outcomes and more resilient farming systems.   Read the article featuring Rory here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/alerted-by-the-collar-saved-by-the-vet/ Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  2. Episode 107 - The drench resistance wake-up call

    16 APR

    Episode 107 - The drench resistance wake-up call

    The episode is dedicated to the late Dr Dave Leathwick, AgResearch parasitologist, scientist and champion for the battle against drench resistance. A closer look at drench resistance in dairy systems highlights how rapidly conventional parasite control methods are becoming less effective and why farmers need to take a more strategic approach. WormWise programme manager and veterinarian Ginny Dodunski unpacks the latest data and on-farm observations, explaining what drench resistance is, how it develops over time, and why it can remain hidden until it starts affecting animal performance. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Ginny Dodunski, Programme Manager, WormWise   Using recent research and real-world examples, Ginny outlines the increasing presence of resistant Cooperia and Ostertagia in young cattle, including cases where commonly used combination drenches are no longer doing the job. She discusses how drench selection, frequency, and inconsistent dosing, particularly with pour-on products, can contribute to resistance, and why early and accurate testing is essential to understand what is happening onfarm. The discussion also turns to practical ways farmers can reduce reliance on drenches. Ginny highlights the importance of pasture management, calf nutrition, and grazing strategies in lowering worm challenge. She explains why reducing exposure to worms in the first place can be more effective than trying to treat them later. Alongside the science, she reinforces the value of good decision making and working alongside vets to build more resilient, future proof farming systems.   New Wormwise Handbook: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/wormwise-resource-book.pdf Pamu case studies: https://www.pamunewzealand.com/pamunewzealand-pmu3/images/2024-Drench-resistance-and-parasite-management-at-P%C4%81mu.pdf Wormwise resistance report: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/convenience-sample-cattle-faecal-egg-count-reduction-tests-new-zealand-2021-2024   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    48 min
  3. Episode 106 - Real data shows real costs

    9 APR

    Episode 106 - Real data shows real costs

    A deep dive into the data on substitution rates based on real measurements reveals just how careful farmers need to be when it comes to budgeting on the returns from supplementary feeding. The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Dr John Roche shared his analysis at a Taranaki Pasture Summit field day in late 2025 and in this podcast episode he steps listeners through his findings, explaining substitution rates and the concept of marginal milk. Drawing on extensive research and practical examples, he outlines why more feed does not always translate to more profit, and how important it is to look at the real costs of the extra production.  Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr John Roche, Prime Minister’s chief science advisor   John outlines how concepts such as substitution rate and marginal cost underpin the true value of additional feed, and why focusing on average cost can mask the real cost of producing extra milk. He talks about how pasture utilisation, stocking rate and timing all influence the response to supplements, highlighting that higher input systems can increase costs faster than returns if not carefully managed. Alongside the technical insights, he emphasises the importance of system design, flexibility and clear decision-making, helping farmers weigh up when supplements are a tool for profit and when they risk eroding it.   Read the article featuring John here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/real-data-shows-real-costs/ Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min
  4. Episode 105 - Tools for growth

    1 APR

    Episode 105 - Tools for growth

    Lynaire Ryan from Agribusiness Education and Paul Bird from DairyNZ are focused on helping farmers build long-term wealth by improving financial understanding and making better use of the tools available within the dairy industry. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about the pathways available to farmers, how different operating structures support progression, and why the sector continues to offer strong opportunities for those starting out or looking to grow. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Lynaire Ryan, Agribusiness Education Paul Bird, Senior business specialist, DairyNZ Lynaire and Paul explain how principles such as profitability, return on assets and the power of compounding underpin successful wealth creation, and why being in the top half of performance is critical. They discuss practical steps including building a savings base, investing in high-performing assets, and using leverage carefully, while also outlining the importance of measuring progress through indicators like equity growth. Alongside the financial concepts, they highlight the role of skills, discipline and reputation in unlocking opportunities, and how consistent decision-making over time can lead to significant gains both on-farm and beyond.   Read the article featuring Lynaire and Paul here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/tools-for-growth/ Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  5. Episode 104 - Genez: Smarter beef genetics for dairy

    26 MAR

    Episode 104 - Genez: Smarter beef genetics for dairy

    Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray from Genez are focused on improving outcomes for dairy and beef farmers by turning dairy-origin non-replacement calves into a more valuable part of the system through better beef genetics. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the pair about how the business has developed, where their genetics come from, and how they are working with both beef breeders and dairy farmers to lift performance across the supply chain. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Ben Watson, General Manager, Genez Charlotte Gray, Genetics Business Manager, Genez   Ben Watson and Charlotte Gray explain why a more strategic approach to mating, maintaining calving ease and short gestation traits but with a much greater focus on growth performance, improves both on farm efficiency and downstream returns. They discuss the development of breeding programmes like Kakahu Stud’s composite Changus (Charolais x Angus), the role of data such as days to weaning and carcase weight, and how their latest catalogue is designed to help farmers make more informed decisions. They also outline practical considerations, including building a mating plan, improving traceability and accessing emerging premium programmes, while highlighting how advances in genetics, technology and market demand are creating new opportunities for dairy beef. Find out more about Genez’s latest catalogue here: https://www.genez.co.nz/bull-catalogue-page   Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  6. Episode 103 - Little habits build big equity

    19 MAR

    Episode 103 - Little habits build big equity

    Eldon and Roseanne Megaw have built a career in dairy through contract milking while steadily growing equity in property and farm partnerships. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with the couple about their journey from early farm experiences and managing roles through to investing in residential property and stepping into an equity partnership at Aranui, a fully irrigated Canterbury farm. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guests: Eldon and Roseanne Megaw, South Canterbury Farm Owners   Eldon and Roseanne Megaw explain how they balanced contract milking responsibilities with property management to diversify income and build financial resilience. Eldon and Roseanne discuss the strategies that have guided their success, including building strong relationships with farm owners and peers, maintaining efficiency and financial discipline, and creating systems and standards for their farm teams. They also share how patience, resilience and flexibility have allowed them to seize opportunities both inside and outside the farm gate, from investing in houses and subdivisions to exploring other income streams, all while staying focused on long-term goals and equity growth. Read the article featuring Eldon and Roseanne Megaw from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/little-habits-build-big-equity/   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  7. Episode 102 - Brix might not be best

    12 MAR

    Episode 102 - Brix might not be best

    A Brix test may mean high sugar for the horticulture sector but when it comes to measuring pasture quality, farmers are being told to look to traditional feed quality analysis by scientists who have been looking into the measure. In this episode, Anne Lee talks with Dr Beverley Thomson of On-Farm Research at Poukawa, Hawke’s Bay about her study comparing Brix as a measure of pasture quality with traditional laboratory based analysis including metabolisable energy (ME), drymatter (DM), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Dr Beverley Thomson, On-Farm Research   Brix has become increasingly popular with some farmers as a tool to give a simple and immediate measure of pasture quality with some citing it as a way to measure nutrient density for pasture. However, Beverely explains her study found high Brix levels in low quality pastures with higher DM and the measure was an unreliable indicator. She talks through the study and how it was set up using plots comparing conventional ryegrass/clover species with plantain/clover and with multi-species, diverse pastures. She details when the measurements were taken through the season and the results of the study.  Read the article featuring Dr Beverly Thomson from the Autumn 2026 issue of DAIRY Country here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/brix-might-not-be-best/   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  8. Episode 101 - A market turn no one predicted

    5 MAR

    Episode 101 - A market turn no one predicted

    In this episode, Anne Lee sits down with Stu Davison of HighGround Dairy to unpack the sharp turnaround in global dairy markets and what is driving the recent surge in prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform. Drawing on his day-to-day market analysis, Stu explains why strong global milk production has not translated into weaker prices and how sentiment, geopolitics and supply chain disruption have shifted the tone of 2026. Host: Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country Guest: Stu Davison, HighGround Dairy   Bringing both global perspective and practical insight to the discussion, Stu breaks down the unusual strength in skim milk powder, the narrowing gap with whole milk powder and the role of protein demand in tightening supply. He outlines how Chinese buying patterns, trade tensions with Europe, Middle Eastern uncertainty and energy market volatility are layering complexity onto already interconnected markets. It is a clear-eyed conversation about volatility, risk management and why, in a year like this, budgeting for uncertainty may matter more than trying to outguess the market.   Find out more about the Better pastures together podcast from Barenbrug here: https://www.barenbrug.co.nz/podcasts Sign up to the weekly DAIRY Country email newsletter here: https://dairycountry.co.nz/sign-up/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
See All (100)

About

DAIRY Country is your mainstay in dairy farming as your trusted source for adding value to your dairy farming business with seasonal on farm stories and exclusive technical advice weekly with your host, Anne Lee. Formally the NZ Dairy Exporter since 1925, DAIRY Country is part of the CountryWide network based in Canterbury, New Zealand. Get in touch with our Anne Lee - anne@countrywidemedia.co.nz if you have a great insight to share with ourthousands of readers and listeners in New Zealand and around the world. Don’t miss our weekly episodes of the DAIRY Country Podcast by hitting the subscribe button now and join our DAIRY Country weekly email newsletter to get the latest in-depth stories in your mailbox so you are always ahead of the game in thebusiness of dairy farming into the future.

Information

  • Creator
    CountryWide Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    DAIRY Country
  • Provider

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